2009 - 2014 F-150

6.5 vs. 5.5 foot bed

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  #1  
Old 05-22-2009 | 06:42 PM
EXTINGUISHFIRE's Avatar
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6.5 vs. 5.5 foot bed

I am not sure which I want to go with. I would really like both the cargo management system and the side steps that come out in front of the rear wheel. Unfortunately both of these items are only available on 6.5 bed. I like the look of the 5.5 short snubbed bed. Decisions, Decisions.

Anyone know of an aftermarket cargo management system that is similar to factory with slide rail and tie downs? How much different will it be driving around with longer wheelbase? I know parking will be a little tougher.
 
  #2  
Old 05-22-2009 | 08:01 PM
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Go with 6.5 if you load big stuff in the bed. With the tailgate down and the bed extender you can load quite a bit. I think the 6.5 makes the truck look balanced as well.
 
  #3  
Old 05-22-2009 | 08:03 PM
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It is only a foot longer and parking won't be any tougher either way unless you have an unusual parking space where the extra foot matters. I like the look of the 6.5 better. The 5.5 looks good from the front end but once you look at the bed side you're like is this all there is?
 
  #4  
Old 05-22-2009 | 08:10 PM
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I got my 08 in December. I did not have the option. My jobs require the 6.5. It is not any harder to park.
 
  #5  
Old 05-22-2009 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by sandydiego
I think the 6.5 makes the truck look balanced as well.[IMG]
Funny because i photoshopped a 6.5 standard F150 bed on my supercrew a while back and it looks ridiculously long. Isnt it weird how the longer 09 supercrew cab really makes the truck looks like it needs the 6.5 bed

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  #6  
Old 05-22-2009 | 08:29 PM
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go with the 6.5' bed because if you wanna get a toolbox it wont really take away from your cargo area. if you have a 5.5' bed and get a toolbox you will have ZERO cargo space
 
  #7  
Old 05-22-2009 | 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by BLUEBEAST06FX4
go with the 6.5' bed because if you wanna get a toolbox it wont really take away from your cargo area. if you have a 5.5' bed and get a toolbox you will have ZERO cargo space
Good call
 
  #8  
Old 05-22-2009 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Patman03SprCrw
Funny because i photoshopped a 6.5 standard F150 bed on my supercrew a while back and it looks ridiculously long. Isnt it weird how the longer 09 supercrew cab really makes the truck looks like it needs the 6.5 bed

It's Moby!
 
  #9  
Old 05-22-2009 | 09:17 PM
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if you want to be driving a truck, get a 6.5' bed...if you want an open air SUV get the short bed...

as it is I find a 6.5' bed barely usable in real life for what a truck is meant to do...would love it if a SCREW was made with an 8' bed as I don't need/want an F-250
 
  #10  
Old 05-22-2009 | 09:21 PM
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I won't say anything about the looks b/c that's completely subjective, but based on functionality, I would definitely go w/ the 6.5'. I didn't even consider the 5.5' when I got mine. Even w/ the 6.5, there will be times you wish you had the 8', especially if you put a tool box in there. But I got the 6.5 b/c it's enough most of the time and easier to park than the long bed.
 
  #11  
Old 05-22-2009 | 09:47 PM
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6.5' - no question! Heck I just used 3' out of my 6.5' bed with a dog box installed and now I wish I had the bed extender. Hope they start offering them aftermarket.
 
  #12  
Old 05-22-2009 | 10:10 PM
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Definitely 6.5ft bed…
 
  #13  
Old 05-23-2009 | 12:10 AM
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I only went with the 5.5 so it would fit in my garage.
 
  #14  
Old 05-23-2009 | 12:50 AM
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Look at it this way, its better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

BTW, Patman, that's the most peculiar looking F150 I've ever seen.
 

Last edited by 06hdfxst; 05-23-2009 at 12:53 AM.
  #15  
Old 05-23-2009 | 02:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Peerless
if you want to be driving a truck, get a 6.5' bed...if you want an open air SUV get the short bed...

as it is I find a 6.5' bed barely usable in real life for what a truck is meant to do...would love it if a SCREW was made with an 8' bed as I don't need/want an F-250

Amen to that.

I wish all these truck mfgs still offered 8 foot beds in all there configuaratons. I have to have a 8 foot bed, and had to go GM to get one with leather and few luxury items. Ford still makes a few configs with 8 foot beds, but they are pretty much all stipped down Janes. I they had an ext or crew cab King Ranch or LTD, I would have bought a 09 F150.


As to the 5 or 6 foot choice, I say go with the 6.

Also for business owners, that write there trucks off in there business. The IRS limits the write off on the 5 foot bed truck to the same thing as an SUV. Where you can write off 100% of a truck with a 6ft plus bed lenght.
 



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